Indigenous fire forum ignites knowledge for healthier Country

This month, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) hosted the 2026 Northern Territory Savanna Fire Management (SFM) Program Forum – inspiring First Nations voices to support healthier landscapes for future generations. 

Held at Mount Bundy on Limilngan-Wulna Country from 20-22 October, six Indigenous ranger groups came together for the annual forum, with scientific and business development experts focusing on the progression of ILSC supported projects. 

Launched a decade ago, the SFM Program is an ILSC-led initiative that coordinates training, start-up and early operational costs for projects on Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory’s Top End. 

Through approximately $2m in annual funding, the SFM Program helps initiate independent, sustainable carbon businesses – bolstering self-determination for hundreds of Indigenous peoples. 

While celebrating a decade of the SFM Program, this year’s Forum also looked ahead to the next chapter of Savanna Fire management, with a focus on the two new methodologies introduced in 2026: Emissions Avoidance and Emissions Avoidance and Sequestration. 

The forum provided participants with an overview of both methods, exploring how they work, what has changed and what the new opportunities and requirements mean for existing and future SFM projects. 

Other key discussions explored included the history of fire management, successes across the sector and how the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) can support Indigenous land managers in responding to climate change and its impacts on Country. 

With almost 60 attendees, the forum highlighted the achievements, experiences and ongoing work of active SFM projects, including across Garawa, Western Top End, Wardaman, Wagiman and Judbarra. Country. 

INPEX General Manager NT, Mr Richard Finch said INPEX has proudly partnered with the ILSC in delivering the SFM Program since 2016. 

“The Ichthys IPVOA SFM Program is unique in providing ranger groups with the start-up capital required to establish carbon projects and generate carbon credits. Through a long-term commitment of $34 million 

in funding, the program supports long-term project development while providing certainty for participating ranger groups. 

“Importantly, participating ranger groups are supported throughout the process by the ILSC and a network of experienced program partners who provide practical, on-ground technical assistance, project development expertise and ongoing capability building. 

“Alongside supporting jobs and capacity building through work on Country, the program has helped create sustainable revenue streams, supporting community-led reinvestment in local priority areas. 

“By combining financial support with trusted delivery partners and long-term mentoring, the program helps build the capability and confidence of ranger groups to develop successful, self-sustaining carbon projects that deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes for Country and community”, said Mr Finch. 

Waanyi Garawa Ranger and Senior Traditional Owner for Garawa, Donald Shadforth attended the 2026 SFM Program Forum. 

“We just got our members together, back home. We want to get that association registered for our carbon business. That’s why I needed to come up here, and try and learn about that carbon setup. It’s been really good, I got a lot of clear information,” said Mr Shadforth. 

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joe Morrison, said forums which support First Nations peoples to care for Country are critical for communities to continue managing their lands sustainably. 

“The SFM Program Forum is a vital platform that brings together ranger groups, Traditional Owners and industry experts from Australia’s Top End, strengthening Indigenous-led carbon projects and in turn, improving environmental outcomes. 

“Ten years on and the SFM Program Forum continues to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous land managers in the NT to develop culturally-led fire-management projects,” said Mr Morrison. 

The connections strengthened between rangers and project partners, as well as the ideas shared throughout the forum will provide a solid foundation for the 2027 SFM Program Forum.